Hello,

I am a mother, a wife, a grandmother and a friend. I am also a carer for my husband Ian and I am writing to you to share our story in the hope that it may inspire you to donate, and help Alzheimer Scotland build the foundations for their new Virtual Resource Centre.


Dementia can be so lonely - whether you have the condition, or are a family member or carer. When Ian received his official diagnosis in 2017, Alzheimer Scotland became a lifeline for us. Ian and I regularly visited the Dundee Dementia Resource Centre as it was a chance for him to socialise and meet others in a safe and comfortable environment, but also somewhere that I could speak to people who really understood my situation.


The coronavirus pandemic has had a huge impact on Ian and I – lockdown was extremely stressful. We’ve had the continued support of our Dementia Advisor, Wendy, which is second to none - I can’t say enough good things about her. However we have no immediate family nearby and, without being able to attend the Dementia Resource Centre, paired with a lack of stimulation and routine, Ian’s dementia has notably worsened over the past few months.


We’ve been very lucky that Alzheimer Scotland adapted quickly to the pandemic and set up online groups and activities. We’ve been attending an online music and memory class which Ian thoroughly enjoys. He played the mandolin and guitar for many years, and music gets through to him in a way that language sometimes can’t. Whilst we have missed the comfort that walking through the doors of a physical Centre brings, we have benefitted immeasurably from accessing online support at home.


This is why I’m asking for your help. Alzheimer Scotland are building the UK’s first Virtual Resource Centre, which will be available at any time of day or night. It means we will be able to access support from the comfort of our home. With Ian not able to visit the physical Dementia Resource Centre due to the progression of his illness, this virtual centre will absolutely have a positive impact on his wellbeing. It will be a real lifeline for the both of us.


This Christmas it would mean the world to myself, Ian and Alzheimer Scotland if you could buy a brick to help them build the foundations of the Virtual Resource Centre. Please give our family, and thousands more like us, the gift of knowing Alzheimer Scotland will continue to be here for us when we need them the most.
Alzheimer Scotland

Signature of Morag Sutherland
Morag and Ian stand shoulder to shoulder

We urgently need your help to build our Virtual Resource Centre.

The impact of coronavirus on our dementia community this year has been devastating. With our physical doors shut, our dedicated teams across Scotland have adapted and reimagined our services, accelerating our digital innovations to give people much needed stability and support. More than ever, it’s vital that people feel connected, informed and part of our community as we continue to face this crisis together. Which is why we are building the UK’s first Virtual Dementia Resource Centre.

Spark some festive joy and buy a virtual brick to help us be there for the families across Scotland who need us. Your support will make a difference this Christmas to people like Morag and Ian who will benefit from knowing that, if they ever feel alone, Alzheimer Scotland will always be there for them.

 

Buy a brick

£10

For £10 you will get your very own plain brick, which will be built into the foundations of the Virtual Resource Centre.

£25

For £25 your brick will be customised with your name - or the name of your loved one. It will then be displayed for you to see in our Virtual Resource Centre.

£50

For £50 your brick will have your name, or the name of a loved one, and also a photo of your choosing. It will then be uploaded to the Virtual Resource Centre for you to see.